Review of The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout by William E. Jefferson

From the publisher: Searching for peace and inspiration, Hollie and Goodwin Macbreeze travel to the Isle of Estillyen – a distant harbor known for bringing ancient words of worth to the present. Their lives become unexpectedly and inseparably intertwined with the reclusive Oban Ironbout – and a mystery from the past that will transform them all.

Words matter. So Hollie and Goodwin Macbreeze will learn in their visit to the Isle of Estillyen, an island inhabited by monks who are renowned for their ability to craft unique stories, bringing deeper understanding to scripture. As they explore the island, and its residents, they meet an old man named Oban Ironbout, (who’s cantankerous personality instantly calls to mind Carl Fredricksen from Pixar’s “Up”) to whom they feel inexplicably led to know, and to help. But is it too late for Oban to change his ways, or is he destined to live out the remainder of his days in bitter solitude?

This inspirational story certainly gave me a lot to reflect on, and I found the readings by the monks fascinating. I absolutely loved the spirituality and the message of this book. If I had one complaint, however, it would be that the author was a little too detailed in certain parts, and while it made it very easy to imagine everything that was going on, it did make reading a little bit tedious at times. Still, I think that was probably part of the character of the book itself, as the author explains “The Point is a surprise. As I scribbled and scribed, it appeared. It came to be! A peculiar way to write a book, I admit. Yet words set the will in motion. Thus, no apologies, no regrets do I bear for this form of wordy mix.” Well put, I think!

Prior to authoring ‘The Point’, Jefferson helped to structure and implement global initiatives and programs for prominent organizations such as the American Bible Society, United Bible Societies, the International Bible Society (Biblica), and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He holds an M.Th. in Theology and Media from the University of Edinburgh and an M.A. in Communications from Wheaton Graduate School.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Recommended for: anyone who enjoys stories about friendships and redemption, or who wants to gain a deeper insight into scripture